With the new lens tech and the current standards/expectations for resolution, I have pretty high hopes for sharpness and aberration control (especially since it will have to at the very least be on par with the S35). I for one am excited.

With the new lens tech and the current standards/expectations for resolution, I have pretty high hopes for sharpness and aberration control (especially since it will have to at the very least be on par with the S35). I for one am excited.

Yes it has to be at least on par with the S35. But since the 35L II price tag will be ridiculously high, it really must (or should) be notably better than the S35. I just don't see how Canon will be able to pull that off.. The S35 is pretty much optical perfection.

My guess is the 35L II will be as sharp as the S35, but 2 - 3 times more expensive.

Also included in this patent are formulas for a 14mm f/2.8 and a 24 f/2.8.

I'm guessing the 24 f/2.8 has IS, and that we'll see that lens way ahead of the 35L II.

The number of patents does not mean its near production. Canon continually has computers running to try and find optical formulas that will produce a superior lens. Unfortunately, many of them are not practical to mass produce because of near impossible tolerances, for example. They get patented as long as they are good, even if there are no plans to start making them in quantity.

Once production starts, you will still see more patents, the process never stops, and you see the patent about 2 years after Canon filed it.

I'm sure Canon know the market for 35 f1.4 II; they are absolutely aware of Sigma's offering too so I expect the new lens to be considerably better (built and optics) especially as it will be Expensive!

I'm sure Canon know the market for 35 f1.4 II; they are absolutely aware of Sigma's offering too so I expect the new lens to be considerably better (built and optics) especially as it will be Expensive!

Canon doesn't to be much much better, if at all (built and optics) than 3rd party, it's sufficient that they're the original with everything that goes along with it - no incompatibilities at all even with newer cameras, in-camera lens profiles, cps support. Given that, many people will happily spend a mere €1000 more.

Also one constant advantage of Canon lenses is the af system which is bound to work better with Canon's pro 5d3/1dx system since it requires firmware lens-camera adjustment (lens groups), for the outdated 5d2/6d af it probably doesn't matter that much.

Kind sir, please donate "mere €1000" to me ... with it I shall buy the Sigma 35 f/1.4 and donate the rest to charity in your name. Jokes aside, this is an interesting replacement from Canon, because they have a competent challenger in Sigma 35mm f/1.4